Bike: 2011 Giant Anthem X2 (29er)
Terrian: Arizona, Desert Scrub, Dry Dirt, Loose Gravel/Dirt, Dusty Hardpack
Ride Style: XC, Endurance

Front Tire:
Kenda Nevegal Pro
Stan's Tubeless
Size: 29x2.2
Bead: Folding
TPI: 60
PSI: 30-34 psi
Weight: 833g
Cost: ~$50
Comments: Has ~15 months of use, >1500 miles, Still performing well.
Pros:
- Zero issues while riding, ever.
- Stan's conversion was without issue.
- Plenty of grip and predictable enough.
- Seems to measure larger than 2.2 width; comparable to other 2.3+ tires.
Cons:
- High rolling resistance for the riding I do.
- Noisy as hell on the street when I ride with the wife. I can't hear her speak half of the time. Maybe that's a pro?
- Heavy for an XC tire I suppose.

Rear Tire #1:
Kenda Small Block 8
Stan's Tubeless
Size: 29x2.1
Bead: Folding
TPI: 120
PSI: 28-35 psi
Weight: 580g
Cost: ~$50
Comments: This tire lasted ~9 months, >1000 miles before a sidewall tear on a rock.
Pros:
- Light weight! - The side walls are very thin which helps with acceleration. these things are light!
- Tire rolls FAST, but is twitchy on anything but clean hardpack.
- Dual Rubber Compound
Cons:
- Weak sidewall! - The side walls are very thin which makes them weak.
- Specific to dry, hardpack terrain - It's manageable in other terrains, but you need to be careful. Lower pressure helps, but does not cure the sliding. Climbing is a chore when they lose grip. Which is often.
- NOT SUITABLE FOR A FRONT TIRE.
- I had an issue getting these seal with Stan's. The would hold for a day, but not much longer. LBS mechanic said he had the same issues on them.
- They pack with mud and become slicks; dry weather only.

Rear Tire #2:
Kenda Small Block 8
Stan's Tubeless
Size: 29x2.1
Bead: Folding
TPI: 120
PSI: 28-35 psi
Weight: 580g
Cost: ~$50
Comments: This tire lasted ~1 month, <20 miles before a sidewall tear on a rock.
Pros:
- Same as above.
Cons:
- Same as above.

Rear Tire #3:
Forté TsaliStan's Tubeless
Size: 29x2.2
Bead: Folding
TPI: 60
PSI: 28-32 psi
Weight: 656g
Cost: ~$30
Comments: This tire lasted ~2 months, >200 miles and still going strong.
Pros:
- Price! - These are a steal at $30
- Roll fast. - They are comparable in tread design to the Small Block 8's, but the knobs are a bit taller making for a noticeable increase in grip compared to the Small Blocks. These do not seem to lose grip nearly as often as the Small Blocks during standing climbs.
- Robust sidewalls (so far)
- Dual Rubber Compound
- Seal without issue with Stan's kit.
Cons:
- None - Perhaps the weight compared to the Small Blocks? But Sidewall thickness makes up for it.

Pictures of the tread:
Kenda Nevegal:


Kenda Small Block 8:


Forté Tsali



In summary, I think the take away from this is that the "store brand" Forté tire is a clear winner.  I was being a brand snob in the store and almost went with a Continental at $60 after the two disappointing runs with the Kenda Small Blocks, but a buddy convinced me to try the Forté.  I was really pleased with it's performance for half the cost of comparable tires.  I would recommend it to anyone looking for a fast rolling XC rear tire.